‘build to rent’ sector backed by new housing minister

In his first major speech since being appointed, the new housing minister, Gavin Barwell, has backed the build to rent sector.

Speaking at Property Week’s RESI 2016 conference in Newport, the minister warned that the country’s housing ambitions would “never be achieved” without significant investment in the private rented sector from institutions.

Barwell also commented that the build to rent sector was an important factor in changing attitudes as he claimed that a growing number of people and families are now choosing to rent.